Concerning an Aspect of the Historiography of Catharism

Abstract

One of the most important topics of discussion in recent years within the international research on Catharism is the construction of this movement’s narrative as a historical and literary phenomenon. This process is likewise of prime importance as regards the historiography of Catharism in Catalonia, since not only does it put in place the elements necessary for determining how the historical narrative (‘memòria’) of Catharism has been constructed, but also acknowledges the impact that this narrative has had in distorting the image of the Cathars. This topic has constituted one of the themes of interest in my research. Under no circumstances, however, does the study of such a process presuppose that one has adopted as one’s own the arguments expressed in such a construction. Here, I will respond to a misunderstanding on my view on this topic.

Keywords

• philosophy
• religion
• heresy
• historiography